Footwear having interchangeable decorative straps and strips

ABSTRACT

This invention relates in general to interchangeable decorative straps and strips for usage in combination with a footwear. The decorative straps and strips are secured to the exterior surface of the footwear by a loop and hook [VELCRO] fastener. This allows a user to wear a single pair of footwear with a variety of outfits by changing the overall physical appearance of the footwear with an assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips. 
     The assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips consists of various trimming-type decorations, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of beads, bows, flowers, fringe, zippers and colored fabrics or ribbons. Each of the assorted straps or strips is designed to coordinate with, i.e., to be aesthetically pleasing with, a variety of outfits so that the footwear may be used in conjunction with a number of different outfits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to footwear. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a footwear having interchangeable componentsincorporating a removable fastening system which enables a person tocustom design their own footwear according to their individual needs.

2. Description of the Related Art

Footwear is typically purchased in a finished state from footwearspecialty stores, department stores, and various other outlets sellingshoes. The selection of footwear is limited to the present stock asdisplayed in the retail establishments. Thus, there is minimalopportunity to add your own sense of style or individual expression tothe footwear.

The footwear is usually a specific type with a certain aestheticappearance that is not alterable. To change the appearance of thefootwear, one would have to switch to a different pair of footwear.

It may be desirable to have a large selection of different footwear whentraveling so that a particular footwear can be matched to a particulartraveling wardrobe. With the increased luggage restrictions imposed onairline passengers, it might not be practical for a traveler to carrybetween ten to twenty pairs of footwear. Ideally, in an effort to packlight, the traveler should carry as few pairs of footwear as possible.Accordingly, there is a need for a footwear which can be easily andconveniently changed in pattern, style, fabric, color, and overallappearance, thereby allowing the same footwear to be worn with manydifferent outfits ranging from casual to formal.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,288, entitled “Athletic Shoe with InterchangeableElements” to Tony R. Henson (hereinafter “Henson”) discloses an athleticshoe having interchangeable components for the customizing to theparticular needs of a wearer. The wearer's weight, weight distribution,type and level of activity, and other variables are considered whendetermining the degree and location of support. The components may bepermanently affixed to the athletic shoe by any selected methodincluding ultrasonic welding. The components may alternatively betemporarily affixed to facilitate the selected interchanging thereof bythe wearer. The athletic shoe includes a body portion which defines asole member and an upper. A plurality of recesses are defined atselected locations by the sole for the receipt of sole inserts. Eachsole insert provides a selected degree of support. The upper defines aplurality of indicia receiving regions. The indicia may be any selectedby the wearer. The sole inserts and the indicators may be permanentlyattached to the athletic shoe by a selected process such as ultrasonicwelding.

Unlike the subject invention, Henson describes the shoe invention withonly the sole inserts capable of being interchangeable, and they arepermanently attached. The subject invention provides for the assortmentof interchangeable decorative straps and strips that are not permanentlyattached.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,497 entitled “Shoe With Interchangeable Heels” toBobby G. Gillikin et al (Hereinafter “Gillikin”) discloses an inventionrelating to a shoe construction having angle irons mounted to the heelseat of the shoe for slidably mounting interchangeable low and highheels. Another purpose of the invention is to provide means forretaining the shape of a shoe having interchangeable heels. The presentconstruction includes stiffener strips inserted in the oppositelydisposed lateral arch portions of the shoe as well as an elastic bandattached to the collar of the shoe. This combination of means providesintimate fitting between the shoe upper and a wearer's foot when theshoe is changed from a flat low-heel position to a flexed high heelposition. Also, an arch supporting plate is mounted to the shoe shankfor rendering vertical support to the shank thereby preventing the shankfrom sagging when the high heel is used. In order to allow heelinterchangeability, angle irons are suitably fastened to the heel seatof the shoe body, each of the angle irons being shaped to include atapered or wedged flange portion. Mating grooves are formed in the heelso that sliding engagement between the heel and the angle irons can beeffected. When the heel fully engages the angle irons, a wedging actionis achieved thereby connecting the heel securely to the shoe. Thiswedging action is not lost after prolonged use and many changeovers, asis prevalent with prior art construction.

Unlike the subject invention, Gillikin discloses a shoe that has aninterchangeable heel. Particularly, the Gillikin invention describesonly the heels as being interchangeable. The subject invention is notdirected to an interchangeable sole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to interchangeable decorative strapsand strips in combination with a footwear. The decorative straps andstrips are secured to the exterior surface of the footwear by a loop andhook [VELCRO] fastener. This allows a user to wear a single pair offootwear with a variety of outfits by changing the overall physicalappearance of the footwear with an assortment of interchangeabledecorative straps and strips.

The assortment of interchangeable decorative straps or strips consistsof various trimming-type decorations, and is preferably selected fromthe group consisting of beads, bows, flowers, fringe, zippers andcolored fabrics or ribbons. Each of the assorted straps or strips isdesigned to coordinate with, i.e., to be aesthetically pleasing with, avariety of outfits so that the footwear may be used in conjunction witha number of different outfits.

Fastening means are provided for securing at least one of the straps orstrips to the exterior surface of the footwear. The first fasteningmeans consists of the hook portion of VELCRO material affixed to theexterior surface of the footwear, and the loop portion of VELCROmaterial affixed to the backside of the interchangeable decorativestraps or strips.

Another feature of the present invention is that it is lighter than someexisting footwear.

Still yet another feature of the present invention is that theinterchangeable components have a removable fastening system enabling aperson to custom design their own footwear according to their individualneeds.

Another feature of the present invention is that it has interchangeableand replaceable parts, thus, reducing the overall cost of havingnumerous footwear for different aesthetic needs. The upper portions ofthe footwear can be interchanged to vary color.

Yet another feature of the present invention is that the footwear mayhave various styles, standards, and components.

Another feature of the present invention is that composite materials maybe utilized individually and in combination during integration andmanufacturing of the individual components.

Yet another feature of the present invention is that footwear componentscan be interchanged in minutes which requires less space in luggagewhile traveling, because wearer need not carry an individual footwearfor each and every desired style.

Still another feature of the present invention is that the footwear isgood for all ages and not limited to specific age group.

Another feature of the present invention is to allow the consumers toown a variety of footwear without the financial burden of purchasing alarge number of pairs of shoes, boots, and sandals.

Yet another feature of the present invention is the easy attachingcapability which is superior to other footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will become more readily apparent by referring to thefollowing detailed description and the figure drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a thong and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestraps at the complete attached stage.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a thong and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestraps at the beginning stage of being detached.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a thong and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestraps at the ending stage of being detached.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a thong and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestraps in a separate state.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a slide and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestraps at the complete attached stage.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a slide and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestraps in the process of being detached.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a boot and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestrips at the complete attached stage.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating a boot and one of the assorted interchangeable decorativestrips in the process of being detached.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of one of the assorted interchangeabledecorative straps designed for, one of the preferred embodiment of theinvention, the thong.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of one of the assorted interchangeabledecorative strips designed for, one of the preferred embodiment of theinvention, the boot.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of one of the assorted interchangeabledecorative straps designed for, one of the preferred embodiment of theinvention, the slide.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the preferred and alternate embodiments shown, the footwear ispreferably in the form of a slip-on sandal which includes a sole element10 (FIGS. 1-8), a heel 11 (FIGS. 1-8) and an upper element 40 (FIGS.2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8).

The upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) is permanentlyattached on opposite sides of the footwear sole and is configured toextend across the top of wearer's foot when the footwear is worn.

The upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) is attached on theopposite sides of the footwear sole 10 (FIGS. 1-8) and is configured toextend laterally across the top surface of the wearer's foot when thefootwear is worn. A plurality of topmost cover elements 30 (FIGS. 2-3,FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) are provided for releasable attachment to theupper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) on the footwear 12(FIG. 1).

The topmost cover elements 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) arespecifically sized and configured to cover the complete top surface ofthe upper element so that, when attached thereto, the topmost coverelement appears to be integral part of the footwear. It is contemplatedthat the topmost cover elements 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11)may be made of any compatible material including, but not limited to,canvas, silk, polyester, woven textiles such as cotton, vinyl and othersynthetic materials, and leather. A plurality of topmost cover elements30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) are provided in various shapes,textures, materials, and colors. Furthermore, an ornamental design ofthe exposed top side 25 (FIGS. 9-11) of the topmost cover element 30(FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) could consists of stitching,printing, rhinestones, embroidery, beads or other decorative elements.

Each of the topmost cover element 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11)comprises a rear edge 31 (FIG. 11), forward edge 32 (FIG. 11), oppositeside edges 33 (FIG. 11), 34 (FIG. 11), top side 35 (FIG. 11), andunderside 36 (FIGS. 10-11). Now referring to FIGS. 9-11, the top side ofthe topmost cover element, and any distinctive elements 37 thereon, isvisibly displaying a particular aesthetic appearance for the footwear.

Each of the topmost cover element 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11)is configured and disposed for releasable attachment to the upperelement 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) on the footwear to cover theexposed surface of the upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8).In a preferred embodiment, hook and loop fasteners are employed for thepurpose of removable attachment of the topmost cover element 30 (FIGS.2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) to the upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6,and FIG. 8). Furthermore, the loop component 41 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 9, andFIG. 11) and hook component 43 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) of thehook and loop fastening system is applied to the underside 42 (FIGS.2-3, FIGS. 8-9, and FIG. 11) of the topmost cover element 30 (FIGS. 2-3,FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11). Preferably, the loop component 41 (FIGS. 2-3,FIG. 9, and FIG. 11) comprises of any suitable material which readilyattaches to the hook component 43 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) in ahook and loop fastening system.

Another concept of the present invention is directed to provision of afootwear sole slits disposed on the sides thereof for receiving apermanently affixed upper element, with the upper element having aremovable fastener disposed on the top surface of said upper element.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11, are merelyrepresentative of preferred configuration for a footwear according tothe present invention. Other alternative versions also fall within thescope of the present invention. Different footwear designs which fallwithin the scope of the present invention will differ in certain detailsof their construction, but will include the common elements discussed.Hereinbelow, specific embodiments of the present invention will bediscussed in extensive detail. However, some or all of these details mayapply only to the illustrated embodiments and be less applicable toother variations that fall within the scope of the present invention. Itshould be noted that throughout this application, footwear soles,straps, and strips have been illustrated only for one shoe out of apair.

As will be clear to those of skill in the footwear art, footweararticles are provided in pairs, including a right footwear and leftfootwear, which are essentially mirror images of one another. Byillustrating only a right or a left footwear, sole, or upper element,the present invention enables the construction and use of a right or aleft footwear.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a varietyof styles of footwear soles may be provided, along with upper elementshaving a variety of appearances. The various footwear sole designs mayreceive different upper element designs so as to alter their appearanceor fit. Likewise, some upper element designs may be used with more thanone footwear sole design. This interchangeability of upper elementsallows great flexibility in the use of the present invention.

When a wearer adapt the present invention in use, the upper elementexerts tremendous axial force on the footwear sole. In a preferredembodiment, a reinforcement 22 (FIGS. 1-6) is provided in the footwearsole so as to reinforce the slit 21 (FIGS. 1-6), especially at itsfrontal and back edges and along its upper side thereof. In someembodiments, the reinforcement 22 (FIGS. 1-6) is provided by areinforcing woven material insert in the footwear sole. In one preferredembodiment, the reinforcement materials are Kevlar and carbon fiber. Thematerial may be single or multiple density.

Preferably, the topmost cover element has a distinctive aesthetic designthat is visible once the footwear is assembled. The design which may beprovided on the outside surface 35 (FIG. 11) are widely varied. Manydifferent materials may be used to form an upper element, as long as thematerial has sufficient strength to reliably retain the footwear on awearer's foot. A variety of materials which may be used to form theupper elements include rubber, thermoplastic, fabrics, vinyls, orleather, and others. Examples of finishes include a variety of fabricfinishes, a wide variety of colors, various surface finishes, such assequins and coatings, and finishes that stimulate other materials, suchas wood. Closure members other than hook and loop type fastener materialmay be used to removably attach the topmost cover element to the upperelement. For example, other means of removable attachment such as, butnot limited to, laces, hooks, snaps, zippers, friction, releasableadhesives, clips or slotted mechanism.

1. A footwear comprising: a sole element having an upper surfaceconfigured to receive a wearer's foot and a lower surface configured tocontact a support surface, the sole element further having a first sidewall and a second side wall spaced from the first side wall, the sidewalls extending between the upper and lower surfaces; said sole elementhaving slits defined therethrough; the first slit positioned opposed tothe second slit along a linear axis extending between the first andsecond side walls; non-transparent indicia formed on top and bottomsurfaces of said sole element; the upper element and the shoe elementcooperate to form a footwear upper for receiving the foot; a topmostcover element sized and configured to cover said upper surface of saidfootwear upper and supporting an exposed topside for providing a primarydecorative appearance to the footwear; non-transparent indicia formed onthe bottom of said topmost cover element; said upper element is moldedfrom a material which possesses memory which causes said upper elementto return to its original molded distinctive shape upon removal of saidtopmost cover element; releasable fasteners for releasably attachingsaid topmost cover element to said top surface of said footwear upper; aplurality of said topmost cover elements for removable attachment tosaid footwear upper in accordance to user preference; and wherein saidplurality of topmost cover element each provide a distinctive decorativeappearance to the footwear when attached thereto.
 2. The footwear asrecited in claim 1, wherein an upper element having a pair of opposedends disposed at least one inch into the first slit and second slitsituated on the first and second side walls, the portion of upperelements mated and received in the slits is made of an elastic sectionthat allows the distance between the opposed ends to be increased bystretching the elastic section; the end portions of said upper elementeach having front and rear edges with a central axis being definedmidway between the edges and running lengthwise along the upper element;3. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the sole element havingslits defined therethrough, the first slit positioned opposed to thesecond slit along a linear axis extending between the first and secondsidewalls and a third slit disposed on the frontal upper surface of saidsole element equidistant to said first and second slits.
 4. The footwearas recited in claim 3 wherein an upper element having a converging endconnected to a pair of opposed ends disposed at least one inch into thefirst slit and second slit situated on the first and second side walls,said converging end disposed at least one inch into the third slit, theportion of upper elements mated and received in the slits is made of anelastic section that allows the distance between the opposed ends to beincreased by stretching the elastic section; said upper element with theend portions disposed in said slits resembles a V-shaped configuration.5. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said upper element isvertically integrated with said sole element in a boot-like footwear,and said upper element substantially disposed from the top edge to thebottom edge of said boot-like footwear along a vertical central axis. 6.The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein said releasable fastenerscomprise hook and loop fasteners.
 7. The footwear as recited in claim 1,wherein the upper element has a front to back width that is generallyconstant.
 8. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the elasticsection is at least partially disposed in the slit.
 9. The footwear asrecited in claim 1, wherein the elastic section comprises a portion ofelastic material and the remainder of the strap comprises a generallynon-elastic material.
 10. The footwear as recited in claim 9, whereinthe remainder of the upper element comprises of a vinyl material. 11.The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein the remainder of the upperelement comprises a fabric material.
 12. The footwear as recited inclaim 9, wherein the remainder of the upper element comprises of arubber material.
 13. The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein theremainder of the upper element comprises of a thermoplastic material.14. The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein the remainder of theupper element comprises of a leather material.
 15. The footwear asrecited in claim 1, wherein the topmost cover element has an innersurface, an outer surface, and a front and rear edge, the inner surfacehaving indicia thereon indicating which edge should be directed towardthe front of the sole element and which edge should be directed towardthe rear of the sole element when the topmost cover element isreleasably attached to the upper element.
 16. The footwear as recited inclaim 1, wherein the sole element is injection molded from a polymericmaterial.
 17. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the soleelement further comprises a reinforcing member molded into the soleelement adjacent to the upper limit of the slit to reinforce the slit.18. The footwear as recited in claim 17, wherein said reinforcingelement is composed of Kevlar and carbon fiber materials.
 19. Thefootwear as recited in claim 1 wherein the sole element includes afootbed portion further comprises of a honeycomb-like construction. 20.The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said releasable fastenerscomprise hook and loop fastener.
 21. The footwear as recited in claim 20wherein said hook and loop fasteners include a hook component on saidtop surface of said upper element and a loop component on an undersideof said topmost cover element.
 22. The footwear as recited in claim 1wherein said topmost cover element is selected from a group consistingof beads, bows, flowers, fringe, zippers, colored fabrics or ribbons.23. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of topmostcover elements further comprise of different shapes.
 24. The footwear asrecited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of topmost cover elementsfurther comprise of different materials.
 25. The footwear as recited inclaim 1 wherein said plurality of topmost cover elements furthercomprise of different colors.
 26. The footwear as recited in claim 1wherein the sole element includes a footbed portion composing of a foammaterial.
 27. The footwear as recited in claim 26 wherein said footbedportion further comprises of a honeycomb-like construction.
 28. Thefootwear as recited in claim 1 wherein the sole element includes afootbed portion composing of a Kevlar and carbon fiber materials. 29.The footwear as recited in claim 28 wherein said footbed portion furthercomprises a honeycomb-like construction.
 30. A method of makinginterchangeable decorative straps and strips in combination with afootwear, said method comprising the steps of: providing a sole elementhaving an upper surface configured to receive a wearer's foot and alower surface configured to contact a support surface, the sole elementfurther having a first side wall and a second side wall spaced from thefirst side wall, the side walls extending between the upper and lowersurfaces; providing said sole element having slits defined therethrough;the first slit positioned opposed to the second slit along a linear axisextending between the first and second wide walls; providing anon-transparent indicia formed on top and bottom surfaces of said soleelement; configuring the upper element and the shoe element cooperate toform a footwear upper for receiving the foot; providing a topmost coverelement sized and configured to cover said upper surface of saidfootwear upper and supporting an exposed topside for providing a primarydecorative appearance to the footwear; providing said topmost coverelement has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a front and rearedge, the inner surface having indicia thereon indicating which edgeshould be directed toward the front of the sole element and which edgeshould be directed toward the rear of the sole element when the topmostcover element is releasably attached to the upper element; providingnon-transparent indicia formed on the bottom of said topmost coverelement; providing said upper element is molded from a material whichpossesses memory which causes said upper element to return to itsoriginal molded distinctive shape upon removal of said topmost coverelement; providing releasable fasteners for releasably attaching saidtopmost cover element to said top surface of said footwear upper;providing a plurality of said topmost cover elements for removableattachment to said footwear upper in accordance to user preference;wherein said plurality of topmost cover element each provide adistinctive decorative appearance to the footwear when attached thereto;providing said releasable fasteners comprise hook and loop fasteners;providing said upper element having a front to back width that isgenerally constant; providing said elastic section is at least partiallydisposed in the slit; providing said elastic section comprises a portionof elastic material and the remainder of the strap or strip comprises agenerally non-elastic material; providing said sole element furthercomprises a reinforcing member molded into the sole element adjacent tothe upper limit of the slit to reinforce the slit; providing saidplurality of topmost cover elements further comprise of differentshapes; providing said plurality of topmost cover elements furthercomprise of different materials; and providing said plurality of topmostcover elements further comprise of different colors.
 31. The method ofclaim 30, wherein: said remainder of the upper element are selected froma group consisting of vinyl material, fabric material, rubber material,thermoplastic material, and leather material.
 32. The method of claim30, wherein: said topmost cover element is selected from a groupconsisting of beads, bows, flowers, fringe, zippers, colored fabrics orribbons.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein: said sole element includesa footbed portion composing of a foam material.
 34. The method of claim33, wherein: said footbed portion further comprises of a honeycomb-likeconstruction.
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein: said sole elementincludes a footbed portion composing of Kevlar and carbon fibermaterials.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein: said footbed portionfurther comprises of a honeycomb-like construction.